Four days of clashes between pro-government gunmen and members of a minority sect in Syria have left nearly 100 people dead and raised fears of deadly sectarian violence.

The clashes come as Syria’s new rulers are trying to establish their authority, and contending with well-armed militias and Israeli troops determined to keep government forces out.

Army says Israeli soldiers in southern Syria ready to prevent hostile forces from entering Druze areas; Israel said making list of Syrian gov't targets to potentially strike over minority's targeting